Free Dining Room
Food Locker
Community Space
Homeless Court
Health Clinics
Seldom Seen Acting Troupe
Classes and Seminars
Referrals
Kitchen of Champions
Champion Workforce Job Training
Thrift Stores
Auto Donations
WasteNot Electronics Recycling

Champion Work Force

The SVdP Champion Work Force helps people regain their footing and re-enter the workplace. The program provides meaningful skills development, part-time employment, case management, workforce readiness classes and job placement support. In 2008, more than 60 people graduated from the Champion Work Force program, with more than half of those gaining meaningful employment.

Alphonsus

Champion Work Force participants meet with a work force coordinator for a thorough inventory of their situation and an assessment of their skills. Many volunteer as interns at the Community Center to gain workplace skills and build a basic resume. Participants then choose one of several positions throughout the SVdP organization -- at the Community Center or in SVdP Social Enterprises – and sign up for interviews. Interviews for these part-time training positions are just like in the real world. Participants chosen for the positions must demonstrate that they are ready to do their best for an employer.

Throughout their part-time employment training, Champion Work Force participants also attend weekly Job Club sessions. These sessions focus on workplace readiness. Sessions range from reviewing workplace basics to customer service, building resumes to practicing positive interviews. Volunteers often join the Job Club sessions to talk about their industries or a specific topic like dressing for success or working through problems with supervisors. Job Club participants also learn to review job listings and seek out employment resources.

Graduates of the Champion Work Force have taken important steps forward to re-enter the workplace. Some participants even leave the program before graduation for the best of reasons – they’ve gotten a job

If you are an employer interested in the benefits of hiring from the Champion Work Force, please contact our Work Force Manager at 510-877-9236.